Maria Sharapova comes out fighting and insists she will return to tennis tour

Maria SharapovaMaria Sharapova at Monday's press conference (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)Novak Djokovic has come out in support of Maria SharapovaTennis star Maria Sharapova announced she tested positive for Meldonium in Jaunary following its ban. Credit: Gonzalo Fuentes (REUTERS)Maria Sharapova poses with a watch from sponsor Tag Heuer in 2006. Photo: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton/FilesMaria SharapovaMaria Sharapova of Russia holds the trophy after winning the French Open tennis tournament in Paris in this June 7, 2014 photoMaria Sharapova announces her failed drug test at the Australian Open during a press conference in Los Angeles. Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA Today

Maria Sharapova has made her first public comments since her shock announcement on Monday that she failed a drug test at the Australian Open in January.

Sharapova faces a lengthy ban from tennis after confirming she ‘made a mistake’ by taking the substance meldonium, even though it was added to the banned drugs list on January 1st 2016.

Reaction towards Sharapova in the days after the announcement has been mixed, with vocal critics suggesting her explanation for her actions is implausible and several of her fellow tennis stars offering her support.

Meanwhile, reigning world No.1 tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams have offered Sharapova support as she aims to return to the game and now the Russian star has posted a message for her fans on her Facebook page.

“On average, I love the mornings. New day, new start,” wrote a reflective Sharapova, as she looked back on the day after her press conference that sent shock waves through the sporting world.

“It is fair to say that this day was not average. Nothing came to mind at 6am, except that I am determined to play tennis again and I hope I will have the chance to do so. I wish I didn't have to go through this, but I do - and I will.”

She went on to thank her fans for their continued support and suggested they are helping her to get through the most traumatic period of her career.

Here is Sharapova’s full statement:

I woke up yesterday morning with an inbox, in full capacity of love and compassion. The first email I immediately...